Well
it has been nearly two years since founding Editor Steve Howe left the blog,
and with over 4443 articles published over the last 6 years, even the most
ardent supporter of The Sludgelord, will not have read every
one. A couple of years back I had the
idea over the weeks and months that have since turned into years to present a
retrospective rundown of the top reviews, free downloads, bands to check
out, live reviews, interviews and much more as a tribute to what Steve started,
what we continue to do and what we strive to achieve in future.
New
and old followers may have missed a few albums over the years, so I’m going to
make amends by trying to reactivate what I original intended to do,
painstakingly delving through the archives and refreshing old articles to bring
them up to date in line with our new and improved format, representing old articles
in the hope of attracting new fans to awesome albums we have covered over the
years.
Therefore,
as we enter the third week in May 2017, we rewind to 16th May 2013 and an album
by Belgium’s
Hessian,
entitled, "Manégarmr". This ominous metal/hardcore band would slightly
revamp the band's moniker to Hessian A.D.
as the band explained at the time. "Due to legal reasons, we have been
forced to change the band's name to HESSIAN A.D. on American territory.
This, however, only covers U.S.
territory; we will still continue to play under the old HESSIAN flag in
all other parts of the world. Sadly this change is completely beyond our
control and it's not very much to our liking. But, rest assured, we will
continue to give this band and this music our all. Thank you all for your
support."
Source http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hessian-changes-name-to-hessian-a-d-for-american-market/#YJYoXblj1T14QQRH.99
You
can dib into the album below.
By: Matt Fitton
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 13/5/2013
Label:
Southern Lord
Southern Lord keeps expanding its
roster of talented and fast-paced groups, and the latest addition is Belgium's Hessian.
They play a furious blend of metallic hardcore, laced with some black metal
influence. Their debut record is 'Manegarmr', and it both shreds and kills in
equally violent measure.
“Manegamr” CD//DD//LP track listing:
1. Ascension
2. Serpent’s Whisper
3. Mourn The World of Man
4. Plague Monger
5. Father of Greed
6. Vamacara
7. Swallowing Nails
8. Hollow Eyes
9. Manegarmr
10. Mother of Light
The Review:
Southern
Lord
keeps expanding its roster of talented and fast-paced groups, and the latest
addition is Belgium's
Hessian.
They play a furious blend of metallic hardcore, laced with some black metal
influence. Their debut record is 'Manegarmr',
and it both shreds and kills in equally violent measure. Any album that starts with feedback is a plus
for me. It's most definitely not just noise, and it has a justifiable place in
heavy music. That said, 'Ascension' opens with feedback.
Right before erupting into a cacophony of BM drumming and righteous hardcore
fury. If this is a statement of intent for the album, then I'm sold.
Turns
out it was. And I am.
'Serpent's Whisper' has some oddly timed and discordant riffs sewn
within its structure that only enhance the mood. At its heart though is more of
that virulent hardcore noise, so pure in its hatred that you cannot ignore it.
This whole fucking thing is an absolute rager!! I adored the layered and
levelled riffs, they pound you into submission. This is the audio equivalent of
a knee to the face.
Now,
a special portion of this review will be dedicated to 'Mourn The World Of Man'.
Bear with me, because I'm going to get positively pornographic over this bad
boy. This is another contender for track of the year, every aspect of it is
glorious to behold. Aggressive vocals, heavy in the mid pace where it
needs to be, but the real magic is found within the second half. There is this
droning riff that escalates rhythmically, and then descends into madness with a
DM taste. This thing is pure and absolute FILTH and I loved it. It sets the
pulse racing, and you'll do that thing with your head and face where it looks like
you're nodding in agreement.
'Swallowing Nails' is an absolute winner of a track title. The BM
weighs heavier here than some other parts of the LP, but the riffs are still
vicious and quite straight forward in their tradition. The breakdowns are immense,
and you'll feel that the nails are in your ears rather than your throat.
'Hollow Eyes' is more of the same, all Slayer speed and Nails ferocity. This thing could incite a riot.
It's so evil that haunted houses should be built upon it by accident, leading
to some kind of bloodbath. And maybe better property planning.
This
exercise in insanity winds down with 'Mother of Light', a colossal
monument to sheer brute force. The eerie effect in the background perfectly
complements the progressing heaviness of the riff in the foreground. It rolls
on, devoid of relent or compassion. Which is nice.
Southern
Lord
keeps signing these bands and making a name for itself. By no means was Hessian
a gamble, but a certified slam dunk. Armed with 'Manegarmr', you'd be a fool to bet
against them. Check it out the moment it becomes available in your area.
